Category: Articles

Demo / Tutorial: Dragonfire Screamers Swapped Into The Chibson!

January 30, 2018
ArticlesReviews

In keeping with the low-budget build theme, in this video we swap in a set of Dragonfire Screamers, in place of the stock, non-wax potted pickups that were originally in the $170 Chibson Les Paul. The results are astounding! This bargain priced ($35) set of pickups really wakes up this fake LP and provides a noticeable increase in bottom-end thickness as well as a night and day difference in feedback control.

This video has not only a review and demo but an install tutorial as well!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKuO2MBX2Dc”]

 

You get get the pickups here!

Hellion “Karma’s a Bitch” Released On Vinyl!

January 10, 2018
Articles

The most recent Hellion album, Karma’s a Bitch, has been released in limited edition on vinyl! Below is a video I made where I take a look at a copy of the album and talk a little about the recording process, physical music products, and what it all means to me.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of the vinyl release, it’s available on Amazon for a great price!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PCukEQWm7M”]

“Auld Lang Syne In The City” – Happy Holidays!

December 15, 2017
ArticlesPress Releases

This year, I’ve done another holiday themed shred song and video. This is my take on the classic “Auld Lang Syne” to celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year! The video was shot in various Los Angeles locations and direct by Ed Polgardy.

Follow this link to download the song for free!

Happy Holidays to all!

 

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLsj-f0-I10″]

Guest Solo on Rozen – Sins of Hyrule

December 11, 2017
ArticlesPress Releases

Sins of Hyrule, the new album of Legend of Zelda music by Rozen, features a guest solo by yours truly! This was a great experience in doing something outside of my normal Rock / Metal genre! Rozen is an incredible composer, arranged, and producer, and it was an honor and a pleasure to be part of this project!

Fans of video game music or symphonic / film score soundtracks will love this!

Checkout the full album here!

sins of hyrule

GEAR DEMO – The Cheapest and Best Looper Pedal!

December 7, 2017
ArticlesReviews

The cheapest looper pedal on the market is the Ammoon Nano Looper. Despite its price, it’s a quality little pedal that ranks high in usability. Check out the features and sound quality in my latest demo and review!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgAFZSxlaOY”]

 

INTERVIEW – Dan Mumm, Part 2, Sweeping Picking and Practice Routines

November 15, 2017
ArticlesInterviews

Here’s the second clip from my interview with neoclassical guitarist and composer Dan Mumm. In this video we talk about the popularity of the sweep picking technique, the biggest mistake aspiring guitarists make and what the best practice routine is!

 

GEAR DEMO – 12$ Pickups! Upgrading the Ammoon Strat

October 23, 2017
ArticlesReviews

With the Ammoon strat clocking in at only $47, we can afford to spend a few bucks on upgrades! Fortunately, through the magic of Ebay, we only need to spend around $24 to upgrade the pickups to a pair of blistering Dual Rail, single-coil spaced pieces. With these new pups transferring the tone, this thing absolutely screams!

INTERVIEW – Dan Mumm, Part 1, Natural Talent and Gifted Musicians

October 9, 2017
ArticlesInterviews

Here is the first of several clips from my recent interview with neoclassical guitarist, composer, and music educator Dan Mumm. In this discussion we talk about the concept of natural talent and what it means when we call someone ‘gifted’. More clips from this interview will be posted soon!

Dan’s YouTube Channel, and his website.

GEAR DEMO – Joyo Vintage Overdrive

September 26, 2017
ArticlesReviews

Want a classic Tube Screamer that’ll get you all those wonderful tones that have sold millions of records? Well too bad. They’re expensive. But wait, you CAN buy a Joyo Vintage Overdrive pedal for around $25 bucks on Ebay! Made with a rugged aluminum housing and the same controls as a classic Tube Screamer, this pedal is no-nonsense, vintage gain goodness. It works well providing all the gain, on a clean amp, for a warm Classic Rock sound, or you can boost an already cranked up amp to get some singing, stinging sustain and a blistering lead tone!

I’m playing my increasingly modified Ammoon Strat through my Blackstar ID Core 10 for this review.

 

GEAR DEMO – A New Guitar for $47!?

September 16, 2017
ArticlesReviews

With today’s manufacturing techniques and product supply chains, it’s easier than ever to produce a good quality, low-priced guitar. The ultimate example of this is the Ammoon strat style guitar, which I purchased new for less than $50!

I review this guitar, talk about the pros and cons, what parts I would upgrade, and more! At the end of the day, this is a totally playable guitar for the cost of a tank of gas!